Perth vs Madrid
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Madrid is ~24% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Madrid
Spain
COL+Rent
42.5
Rent Index
27.1
Groceries
50.2
Restaurant
45.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $1,203 | +$555 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $922 | +$389 |
| Groceries | $412 | $280 | +$132 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $16 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $35 | +$62 |
| Utilities | $146 | $133 | +$13 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $1,891/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $2,367/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Madrid | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,145/mo | -$355 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,526/mo | -$474 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,289/mo | -$711 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Perth vs Madrid for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Madrid is approximately 24% more affordable than Perth when combining rent and daily living costs. Perth's COL+Rent Index of 55.7 vs Madrid's 42.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Perth costs $1,758/month versus $1,203/month in Madrid — giving Madrid a $555/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,660 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Perth ($412/mo) vs Madrid ($280/mo) reflect Madrid's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $16 show Madrid offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Madrid offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,891 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.